5 Best Cell Phone Deals to Kick Off the New Year

Do you find yourself having to plug your phone in part-way through the day? Is the cracked screen starting to get on your nerves? Just looking for something new and exciting on your smartphone?

We spend an inordinate amount of time on our phones. They’re not just a communications device-- they’re an interactive portal to the digital world. So why stick with the same old? Boxing Week may be long gone, but there are still plenty of excellent deals available on smartphones.

We’ve put together a list of exciting deals on a range of smartphones from different manufacturers. Whether you’re a parent looking for something reliable for your child to make calls and browse the web, or you’re a mobile gamer who needs to stay connected no matter what, there’s an option for you. Our curated list ranges from $49 for the most basic models to $559 for the cream of the crop. Start the new year on a new foot and upgrade your digital experience with one of these bargains.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy S8 Prepaid Smartphone (Limit 2) Sales of Prepaid Phones are restricted to no more than (2) devices per customer within a 21-day period (across Brands)

Walmart

Original Price: $600

Sale Price: $500

The Samsung Galaxy S series was the most popular Android in the United States in 2018 and for good reason. Samsung is the gold standard in Android smartphones and the Galaxy S8 lives up to its reputation with several revolutionary innovations you might have previously expected to see in science fiction.

If you’re looking for extra security, this phone is for you. Its 8-megapixel front camera isn’t just good for selfies, it can keep your phone safe. In addition to facial recognition, it uses iris scanning to ensure maximum phone security. If that’s not enough, there’s also a fingerprint reader on the back.

The device isn’t just safe from prying eyes, but from mother nature as well. It can actually be submerged nearly five feet underwater for up to 30 minutes, meaning you’re safe from rain, dust, and even a dip in the pool. Walmart is offering the Galaxy S8 for $500, $100 off the original price.

Mobile gamers rejoice! With super high-speed connectivity, larger-than-life display, and seemingly endless battery capacity, the Honor View 10 includes everything you need to stay connected all day (and then some).

There’s no better choice for those who like to game on the go. The Honour View 10 can stay connected at twice the speed of 4G LTE -- up to one gigabit per second. The 3750 mAh battery is one of the largest capacities available on the market. According to Honor, that means five and a half hours of gaming, 19 hours of video, or 21 hours of 4G browsing. Standard users will easily be able to last two days or more on a single charge. The lavish battery life is even more enjoyable thanks to its ultra-tall 5.99” bezel-less screen.

The Honor View 10 is a high-end phone at a mid-range price — now $395 (nearly 20 percent off).

The LG Optimus Zone 4 is a fully functioning smartphone with all the features you would expect from a budget device, but at a price tag you wouldn’t.

The 5” display and 8-megapixel rear camera are pretty standard for a smartphone these days, but this affordable device wasn’t designed for power users. It’s a great option for those looking for something simple and affordable, as well as older and younger consumers.

With 2GB of RAM and a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, the phone provides a surprising amount of bang for your buck. Its removable 2,500mAh battery can stay on standby mode for up to two weeks, making it a great backup device for the car or cabin. Spare batteries can be purchased separately if you need to stay connected but can’t reach a power source.

User reviews have praised its durability and affordability. For less than $49 (less than half-price!) from Walmart, the LG Optimus Zone 4 can’t be beaten as a budget smartphone.

Seeking a phone that’s on the cutting edge of technology and will stay that way? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S9. The newest model of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series features a top-of-the-line camera, brilliant display, and timeless design ensuring you (and your device) are future-proof.

Shutterbugs will be thrilled with the phone’s state-of-the-art camera featuring a Dual Aperture lens that promises the highest quality shots in day or night. You can even shoot video in super slow-mo -- 960 frames per second -- thanks to it super speed sensor.

The Galaxy S9 features an impressive extra-tall 5.8” display that stretches edge-to-edge, making the front nearly all screen. The screen even stretches onto the sides of the phone’s curved glass, which doesn’t just feel good in your hands, but makes it easier to reach its corners. At 22 percent off, users can pick this phone from Amazon for $559.

Huawei may be a relative newcomer in the smartphone market, but what they lack in brand recognition they more than make up in their product's performance. The Huawei Mate SE offers a device with the absolute forefront of innovation, offering everything you’d expect from a high-end smartphone with specs that are bigger and better than the competition.

This device is built for speed as every spec on the Huawei Mate SE is maxed-out -- from its super-powered octa-core processor to the lightning-fast 4GB of RAM. Its giant edge-to-edge 5.93” display promises an immersive visual experience that will last all day (and into the next) with its enormous 3340 mAh battery.

The phone comes unlocked, so you’re not tied with a single provider. Travelers will be pleased to hear that it also supports dual SIM-card access so you can switch service providers with ease. The Huawei Mate SE is a speed demon’s dream come true and the price can’t be beaten at $230.